Latest news with #GoviaThameslinkRailway
The Independent
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Train service suspended during Covid to return
A direct train service connecting London Bridge with Eastbourne and Lewes in East Sussex is scheduled for reinstatement. The Thameslink service, which was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, will resume operations on 15 December 2025. Initially, the service will run twice daily, Monday to Thursday only, primarily catering to commuters. Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde spearheaded a successful campaign for the service's return, describing it as a significant victory for the town. Govia Thameslink Railway confirmed the reinstatement was in response to customer demand and aims to encourage greater use of rail services.
The Independent
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
This pretty coastal town is getting a new direct train link from London
A train service between London and two East Sussex towns is being reinstated for the first time since 2020. From December, travellers departing London Bridge will be directly connected with the south coast resort of Eastbourne and the county town of Lewes. The Thameslink service, which was suspended at the start of the pandemic, will largely cater to commuters, however, with just two services running per day, Monday to Thursday only. Prior to this, Eastbourne only had one direct service to London Victoria. Rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway said it would make the journey 'much easier'. The Monday to Thursday service will depart from Eastbourne at 6.48am, arriving at London Bridge for 8.25am. The return service will leave London Bridge at 5.03pm and reach Eastbourne at 6.34pm. The service will restart on 15 December 2025. Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde, who has been campaigning for the return of the service, described it as 'a huge victory'. Earlier this month, he attempted to drum up public support with a giant ticket-shaped petition outside Eastbourne station signed by local residents. 'After months of campaigning including writing to rail bosses, pressing ministers in the House of Commons and gathering thousands of signatures from Eastbournians, I'm delighted that we've managed to restore our direct London Bridge rail service,' he said in a statement. 'This is a huge victory for our town. I look forward to seeing commuters on 15 December for the first journey up to London Bridge.' Thameslink described the Covid pandemic as having a 'devastating impact' on the rail industry. Jenny Saunders, Thameslink customer services director, said she was 'delighted' to confirm the return of the service, in response to customer demands. She added the company was doing everything it could do to encourage people back to using rail services, which it called the 'most sustainable form of public transport'.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
English beach resort town is getting direct train line to UK's capital again in ‘huge victory'
A RAIL service between a popular beach resort town and London is being brought back this year. Govia Thameslink Railway halted its direct train link between the coastal town and the capital during the Covid pandemic. 2 2 But the rail operator has announced that direct trains will run between Eastbourne, Lewes and London Bridge once again from December. A direct service will run in the morning and return to the seaside town in the evening. It will run from Monday to Thursday, and the operator said it would make commutes to London "much easier". Prior to this, Eastbourne only had direct trains to London Victoria. A 'HUGE VICTORY ' The news comes following calls from passengers to reinstate the transport link. The town's MP Josh Babarinde was part of the campaign to restore the service. He previously took a giant ticket-shaped petition to the town's train station while campaigning. The MP called the link's restoration a "huge victory" that would have a "positive impact" on the town. He said: "After months of campaigning including writing to rail bosses, pressing Ministers in the House of Commons, and gathering thousands of signatures from Eastbournians, I'm delighted that we've managed to restore our direct London Bridge rail service." "I look forward to seeing commuters on 15 December for the first journey up to London Bridge," he added. Picturesque English town is getting new £27m train line for first time in 60 years – & will cut journey times by an hour RESTORED SERVICE The operator has said the Covid pandemic had a "devastating impact" on the rail industry. Jenny Saunders, Thameslink customer services director, said: "The pandemic had a devastating impact on everyone, not least the rail industry, and our weekday commuter numbers are still reduced but recovering. "We're doing everything we can to encourage people back to rail, which is the most sustainable form of public transport. "The innovative new timetable we introduced along the east coastway two years ago did just that, boosting passenger numbers by giving people better services and easier connections. "We think this timetable improvement will build on that success and are pleased to have worked with local stakeholders to make the case for its introduction." The restored service will depart Eastbourne at 6:48am and arrive at London Bridge for 8:25am. In the evening, it will start back from the capital at 5.03pm and reach Eastbourne for 6.34pm.
Time Out
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time Out
The classic English beach resort town getting a new direct train service from London
A direct train between two East Sussex towns and London is being brought back for the first time since 2020. From December, travellers will be able to reach London Bridge directly from Eastbourne and Lewes as the pre-pandemic Thameslink train will be reinstated. It will only run from Monday to Thursday, making it ideal for commuters. Rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway said it would make the journey 'much easier'. Previously, Eastbourne only had one direct service to London Victoria. At the moment the train will only run twice a day. The Monday to Thursday service will depart from Eastbourne at 6.48am, arriving at London Bridge for 8.25am. The return service will leave London Bridge at 5.03pm and reach Eastbourne at 6.34pm. The commuter train's first journey will be on December 15 2025. Visitors planning an overnight trip to Eastbourne could take the 5pm service out of London, but it would only be worth it if you were planning to spend a couple of days in the seaside town (lest you have to return at 8am the following morning). Still, there would be plenty to do during a multi-day visit, including seeing contemporary art at Towner Eastbourne, walking the iconic South Downs cliff path, or having a slap-up meal at one of the many independent restaurants. However, bear in mind that this service won't work for weekend trips, as it only runs from Monday to Thursday. Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde who had been campaigning for the service to be brought back called the return of the train a 'huge victory for the town'. The Liberal Democrat said in a statement: 'After months of campaigning including writing to rail bosses, pressing Ministers in the House of Commons, and gathering thousands of signatures from Eastbournians, I'm delighted that we've managed to restore our direct London Bridge rail service.' Jenny Saunders, customer services director for Govia Thameslink Railway said: 'The pandemic had a devastating impact on everyone, not least the rail industry, and our weekday commuter numbers are still reduced but recovering. 'We're doing everything we can to encourage people back to rail, which is the most sustainable form of public transport. The innovative new timetable we introduced along the east coastway two years ago did just that, boosting passenger numbers by giving people better services and easier connections.'
The Sun
11-07-2025
- The Sun
Major UK train line to SHUT this weekend sparking chaos for thousands of holidaymakers, sunseekers & motorsport fans
A MAJOR UK train line is set to shut this weekend sparking chaos for thousands of holidays and sunseekers heading to one of the country's top resorts. It comes as hot weather sweeps the country and holidaymakers battle for space on packed beaches. 1 Network Rail has warned tourists and motorsport fans travelling between Brighton and London they will face severe disruption on Sunday due to urgent repair works. Train bosses say there will be no services between Gatwick Airport and East Croydon, and some parts of Surrey. This is due to the need to repair switches and crossings near Purley and Coulsdon. Replacement buses Rail replacement buses will run from East Grinstead to Gatwick Airport and Three Bridges, while trains direct from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport will still run but will take "considerably longer" than usual. Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex route director for Network Rail, apologised for the disruption and said the works were "essential to keep services running safely and reliably". Replacement buses will also run between East Croydon, Redhill and Tattenham Corner and between Redhill and Tonbridge, a spokesperson for rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) said. The disruption comes as temperatures on the South Coast are expected to hit 28C in Brighton on Sunday. In June, Gatwick-bound passengers said they faced "nightmare" travel after trains were forced to be evacuated when temperatures soared above 30C (86F) in South London. Jenny Saunders, customer service director for GTR, said: "I know that these works will be very disruptive for our passengers, and I am very sorry for any plans which may have to change as a result of this. "It's important that our colleagues at Network Rail replace these points as soon as possible. "Hundreds of our services cross this section of track each day – and it is vital to have reliable infrastructure which is less susceptible to closures at the last minute." Heading to Brighton or Gatwick Airport this weekend? Here's what you need to know ... With the main line blocked between London and the south coast, via Gatwick, passengers intending to travel on 13 July should plan ahead and allow significantly more time to travel – especially to Gatwick Airport. Here is the latest advice from Network Rail: Customers travelling between London and Gatwick Airport should use Southern trains between London Victoria and East Grinstead for frequent bus services between East Grinstead and Gatwick Airport / Three Bridges. Customers travelling between London and the South Coast should use train services to/from East Grinstead, where replacement bus services will be running to/from Three Bridges for onward journeys. Direct Southern trains will also run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, via an alternative route. Please note, this will take considerably longer than the usual service between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport Replacement buses will run between East Croydon and Redhill /Tattenham Corner and between Redhill and Tonbridge.
